By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – Three Republicans have declared for next June’s gubernatorial primary in Illinois. There could be more.
“The more the merrier, the way I see it,” said State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia). “If people have a choice, I mean, that is what makes this country awesome. You got desire to run, probably more importantly a calling to run, get out there and run. That way, you let your voice be heard.”
Political newcomer Gary Rabine, a Chicago area businessman, says Illinois politics need fundamental change. “Number one, we have to build our Republican Party strong. I believe that I can bring the Republican Party together as a whole,” Rabine said. “We are dividing our Republican Party too often in the state of Illinois. Then look at our state! We as a state have to come together as Republicans and Democrats to compete against the states around us. We are doing a lousy job competing because we have all this fragmentation.”
Former state senator Pual Schimpf, of Waterloo in southern Illinois, is not concerned about any underdog status, having defeated Sheila Simon in a state senate race. “I can work together and unify our state,” he said. “The reason I won by almost 22 points is because I talked about the issues that unite us.”
The Republican Day program did not include those candidates. None criticized state party chair Don Tracy for that.
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].
